Show Date Change: It's a Good Thing

Episode #78, originally scheduled to air on Labor Day (9/7) has been bumped to the following week (9/14) to allow our listeners time to queue up the classic film we're reviewing (L'AVVENTURA, 1960), and to let the hosts adjust to another school year in their day jobs.

In the meantime, keep the feedback regarding DISTRICT 9 and 500 DAYS OF SUMMER coming, and send us your Last Five®!

Take a PiQ at the PiQ Magazine Blog

Michael and Tassoula are again honored to be recognized by PiQ—this time on their blog.

Click here to read the entry.

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U2 3D Written Review Now Available

The written review referenced at the end of our JUNO episode is now available at @U2. Click here to read it.

So We Don't Have to See BALLS OF FURY...

Michael and I chose THE KING OF KONG: A FISTFUL OF QUARTERS for Cinebanter #39 (which will be posted September 17), but we couldn't decide what to see for our 40th show, so we're leaving that up to you!

That's right, Cinebanter #40 is LISTENER'S CHOICE.

Please send your selection for what we should see to: cinebanter@gmail.com, no later than September 21 and the film with the most votes will become the topic of our October 1st show.

Please keep in mind that the movie chosen has to be available in both Michael and Tassoula's cities (San Jose and Seattle).

And FYI...DRAGON WARS, THE NANNY DIARIES and HALLOWEEN aren't in the running.

Happy voting,
Tassoula

Cinebanter #19 - VOLVER

The MP3 file of Episode 19 of Cinebanter is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula share some laughs about Michael's interpretation of VOLVER. They also deliver their Last Five®, a Listener Last Five®, and Michael tells us What Went Wrong at the Theater® as this featured segment returns. And to wrap things up, the hosts respond to some Listener Feedback from across the pond. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 VOLVER Discussion
• Break
• 13:21 TO SUM IT UP
• Break
• 13:57 The Last Five®/Listener Last Five®
• Break
• 43:59 What Went Wrong at the Theater
• Break
• 49:03 Listener Feedback
• 55:01 Credits and Outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

We're also available on Podcast Alley, Pop Current and Podcast-Review. Please vote for us at any of those sites if you like what you hear. And, if you're compelled to donate to the show, there is a PayPal button labeled 'Make a Donation' to the left of this blog. We thank you in advance for your support.

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: THREE COLORS TRILOGY, CHILDREN OF MEN, VENUS, GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES and ROME: SEASON ONE, EPISODES 1 – 4. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: DANCING AT THE BLUE IGUANA, 21 GRAMS, NOTES ON A SCANDAL, THE WIRE: SEASON 1, EPISODES 6 – 7 and THUMBSUCKER.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has movie reviews/musings at Tassoula's Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #17 - THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS

The MP3 file of Episode 17 of Cinebanter is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula give props to the young Jaden Smith during their review of THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (which also stars Jaden's dad Will). They also share their Last Five®, discuss a Listener Last Five, welcome Average Matt back to the Cinebanter studios, and respond to Listener Feedback. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS Discussion
• Break
• 17:31 TO SUM IT UP
• Break
• 18:19 The Last Five®/Listener Last Five®
• 44:29 Average Matt
• Break
• 50:35 Listener Feedback
• 58:48 Credits and outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

We're also available on Podcast Alley, Pop Current and Podcast-Review. Please vote for us at any of those sites if you like what you hear. And, if you're compelled to donate to the show, there is a PayPal button labeled 'Make a Donation' to the left of this blog. We thank you in advance for your support.

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: SHERRYBABY, SHORTCUTS, STAGECOACH, BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, and THREE COLORS TRILOGY. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: LOVE ACTUALLY, NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM, EVERYONE STARES: THE POLICE INSIDE OUT, PLEASANTVILLE and THE RECEPTION.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula also now has movie reviews/musings at Tassoula's Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #13 - STRANGER THAN FICTION

The MP3 file of Episode 13 of Cinebanter is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula examine the magic of Maggie Gyllenhaal and Will Ferrell's dramatic turn in STRANGER THAN FICTION. They also share their Last Five® and respond to recent Listener Feedback. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 STRANGER THAN FICTION Discussion
• Break
• 25:16 TO SUM IT UP
• Break
• 25:53 The Last Five®
• Break
• 54:19 Listener Feedback
• 59:07 Credits and outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

We're also available on Podcast Alley, Pop Current, Yahoo and Podcast Pickle. Please vote for us/rate our show at any of those sites if you like what you hear.

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN , FLANNEL PAJAMAS, BABEL, THE WIRE: SEASON FOUR, PART 9 and THE QUIET ROOM. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: HACKING DEMOCRACY, DEJA VU, CINEMANIA, DELIVER US FROM EVIL and AIRPLANE!

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at michaelvox.com.

Tassoula has movie reviews/musings at Tassoula's Blog.

We're also currently developing our My Space page, so feel free to stop by and add 'Cinebanter' as a friend. We'll post bulletins each time a new show is available for downloading.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show - and Happy Thanksgiving to our fellow Americans!

Cinebanter #12 - BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN

The MP3 file of Episode 12 of Cinebanter is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula debate the controversial humor of BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN. They also share their Last Five®, welcome Average Matt back to the show and discuss What Went Wrong at the Theater®. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 BORAT Discussion
• Break
• 28:13 TO SUM IT UP
• Break
• 28:51 The Last Five®
• Break
• 39:42 Average Matt
• Break
• 49:55 What Went Wrong at the Theater®
• 55:30 Credits and outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

We're also available on Podcast Alley, Pop Current, Yahoo and Podcast Pickle. Please vote for us/rate our show at any of those sites if you like what you hear.

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT, THE PRESTIGE, FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS and THE WIRE: SEASON FOUR, PART 7. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: COPYING BEETHOVEN, AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH, JUST LIKE HEAVEN, HOTEL RWANDA and HACKING DEMOCRACY.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at michaelvox.com.

Tassoula has movie reviews/musings at Tassoula's Blog.

We're also currently developing our My Space page, so feel free to stop by and add 'Cinebanter' as a friend. We'll post bulletins each time a new show is available for downloading.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #10 - THE DEPARTED

The MP3 file of Episode 10 of Cinebanter is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula celebrate Director Martin Scorsese's return to form and ponder the intricate ending of THE DEPARTED. They also share their Last Five® and Listener Feedback. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 THE DEPARTED Discussion
• Break
• 27:21 TO SUM IT UP
• Break
• 28:06 The Last Five®
• Break
• 40:13 Listener Feedback
• 45:30 Credits and outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

We're also available on Podcast Alley, Pop Current and Podcast-Review. Please vote for us at any of those sites if you like what you hear.

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: THE U.S. VS. JOHN LENNON, RED EYE, DAZED AND CONFUSED, THE WIRE: SEASON FOUR, PART 5 and ANY GIVEN SUNDAY. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: JUNEBUG, FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS, THE JOURNALIST AND THE JIHADI, ROGER DODGER and BACK TO THE FUTURE.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at michaelvox.com.

Tassoula also now has movie reviews/musings at Tassoula's Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #9 - THE U.S. VS. JOHN LENNON

The MP3 file of Episode 9 of Cinebanter is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula contemplate political agendas and the extent of suffering caused by Lennon's FBI surveillance as they review the new documentary THE U.S. VS. JOHN LENNON. They also share their Last Five® and Michael's surprise Beatles segment for Tassoula. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 THE U.S. VS. JOHN LENNON Discussion
• Break
• 26:49 TO SUM IT UP
• Break
• 27:30 The Last Five®
• Break
• 42:10 Surprise Segment
• 49:34 Credits and outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

We're also available on Podcast Alley, Pop Current and Podcast-Review. Please vote for us at any of those sites if you like what you hear.

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: THE LAST KISS, BUS 174, THE WIRE: SEASON FOUR, PART 4, RED EYE AND DAZED AND CONFUSED. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: LOVE AND SEX, MYSTERIOUS SKIN, THE QUEEN, CONFIDENCE AND JUNEBUG.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at michaelvox.com.

Tassoula also now has movie reviews/musings at Tassoula's Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #7 - HALF NELSON

The MP3 file of Episode 7 of Cinebanter is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula debate key scenes in the classroom drama HALF NELSON starring Ryan Gosling and Shareeka Epps. They also deliver their Last Five®, get embarrassed about having to make Corrections to their last show and recount the finest school cinema during Tassoula's surprise segment for Michael. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 HALF NELSON Discussion, Part 1
• Break
• 20:56 HALF NELSON Discussion, Part 2
• Break
• 31:35 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 32:36 The Last Five®
• Break
• 47:12 Corrections
• Break
• 49:19 Surprise Segment
• 56:42 Credits and outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

We're also available on Podcast Alley, Pop Current and Podcast-Review. Please vote for us at any of those sites if you like what you hear.

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH, HEADING SOUTH, THE HOBART SHAKESPEAREANS, SHELTER DOGS and THE WIRE: SEASON FOUR, PART 2. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: DUPLEX, FACE, THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED, LIFE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT and BROKEN FLOWERS.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at michaelvox.com.

Tassoula also now has movie reviews/musings at Tassoula's Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #5 - HOUSE OF SAND

The MP3 file of Episode 5 of Cinebanter is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula brave the Brazillian desert and discuss HOUSE OF SAND starring Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro. They also deliver their Last Five®, read Listener Feedback and chat about What Went Wrong At The Theater®. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:31 HOUSE OF SAND Discussion
• Break
• 24:50 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 25:24 The Last Five®
• Break
• 48:55 Listener Feedback
• Break
• 51:04 What Went Wrong At The Theater®
• 52:16 Credits and outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

We're also available on Podcast Alley, Pop Current and Podcast-Review. Please vote for us at any of those sites if you like what you hear.

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: LOOSE CHANGE, INVINCIBLE, DAVE CHAPPELLE'S BLOCK PARTY, THE BRIDESMAID and QUINCENEARA. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: KISS KISS BANG BANG, WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE: A REQUIEM IN FOUR ACTS, TARNATION, FACTOTUM and DROP DEAD GORGEOUS.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at michaelvox.com.

Tassoula also now has movie reviews/musings at Tassoula's Blog

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail us at cinebanter@gmail.com

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #3 - SCOOP

The MP3 file of Episode 3 of Cinebanter is available here.

In this episode we review SCOOP starring Scarlett Johansson and Hugh Jackman, introduce our special contributor "Average Matt" and deliver our Last Five. Michael also mentions What Went Wrong Outside The Theater. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:34 SCOOP p. 1
• Break
• 18:08 SCOOP, p. 2
• Break
• 31:40 Average Matt
• Break
• 37:12 The Last Five®
• Break
• 50:48 What Went Wrong At The Theater®
• 52:25 Credits and Outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

We're also available on Podcast Alley and Pop Current. Please vote for us at either of those sites if you like what you hear.

Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: MONSTER HOUSE, LADY IN THE WATER, AUTO FOCUS, CLERKS II and THE NIGHT LISTENER. Michael's Last Five in this episode were: THE PERFECT STORM, FABULOUS: THE STORY OF QUEER CINEMA, TALLEDEGA NIGHTS, MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA and INTO THE BLUE.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the music in this episode.

Reviews of every movie Michael sees can be found at michaelvox.com.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail us at cinebanter@gmail.com

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #1 - WORDPLAY

The MP3 file of this episode of Cinebanter is available by clicking here.

In this episode:

• Learn what Cinebanter is all about
• Enjoy the first official Cinebanter review, which is of the documentary WORDPLAY (beware: spoilers!)
• Hear about The Last Five films that Michael & Tassoula saw
• Gasp at What Went Wrong At The Movie Theater® when the hosts ventured out to see WORDPLAY

Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: WHO IS HARRY NILSSON AND WHY IS EVERYBODY TALKIN' ABOUT HIM?, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, ANNIE HALL, LEONARD COHEN I'M YOUR MAN and AMERICAN BEAUTY
Michael's Last Five in this episode were: CIVIC DUTY, THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, THE LAKE HOUSE and CARS

Reviews of every movie Michael sees can be found at michaelvox.com.

To read Tassoula's review of LEONARD COHEN, I'M YOUR MAN (as mentioned in The Last Five) visit @U2.

To check out the latest NY Times crossword puzzle page, click here.

Michael and Tassoula would like to thank John Cummins for designing the Cinebanter logo, and Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing all of the music for this episode.

We hope you enjoy the show.